Vietnam Travel Blog

Welcome to Van Long, the largest wetland nature reserve in the northern delta plain of Vietnam! This place impresses with its tranquil and pristine beauty, as well as its diverse ecosystem with limestone mountains and rare animal species like langurs and birds. This article will provide you with an overview and useful information for exploring the Van Long Nature Reserve. Now, let's begin.

Hoa Lu was Vietnam's capital from 968 to 1010, set in a limestone valley about 100 km south of Hanoi. What survives today is not an intact citadel but a compact historic complex of royal temples, a 10th-century pagoda and archaeological remains tied to the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. It is also one of Ninh Binh's easiest places to misunderstand, because Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Hoa Lu Ancient Town and modern Hoa Lu City are three different places. This guide explains what you will actually see, why the old capital matters, how much time you need, and how to combine it with Trang An, Tam Coc and the rest of Ninh Binh.

If you're deciding between Hue and Hoi An for your Vietnam itinerary, you're in for a treat, as both cities offer their own unique charm. Located just over 120 kilometers apart in central Vietnam, they are known for their safety, affordability, and welcoming hospitality. Each city has its own appeal, making the decision a tough one for any traveler. In this article, I’ll guide you through what each destination offers to help you make the right choice.

"Bai" stands for the practice of worship, and "Dinh" stands for naming the summit. Thus, Bai Dinh suggests "the worship of Heaven and Earth, as well as the Buddha and the heavenly angels," a name that invigorates the belief of its followers. The greatest pagoda complex in Bai Dinh itself extends over about 530 hectares, and part of its ground rises to 187 meters above sea level from the summit of Mount Dinh, a limestone mountain clothed in verdant greenery.

Officially named the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, this site is often called "Halong Bay on Land". It is about 7 kilometers from the heart of Ninh Binh and 90 kilometers (a 2-hour drive) from Hanoi, the capital. But geologically, it is even older and structurally more complex. It is vital to understand the history of Trang An. Recognized in 2014, it is Vietnam's first and only mixed natural and cultural property. The karst mountains here were formed over 250 million years ago, preserving traces of prehistoric humans from 30,000 years ago. From my point of view, when you visit, you are not just seeing mountains; you are exploring a natural fortress. In the 10th century, King Dinh Tien Hoang chose this spot because the limestone peaks acted as "impenetrable walls" and the rivers served as "roads" to protect the capital from invaders. Later, the Tran Dynasty used these same caves as a secret military base to defeat the Mongols in the 13th century. In more recent history, these

Ethnic markets in Northern Vietnam are fascinating and captivating places. They showcase the richness and diversity of the country's various ethnic minorities. These markets, bustling one day a week, offer an authentic and lesser-known side of Vietnam. In this article, we have compiled the 7 most famous ethnic markets, organized by the day of the week, to help you plan your visit and enjoy a unique experience during your stay in Northern Vietnam.